Overview & Reviews

At its debut for the 2002 model year, the Buick Rendezvous midsize crossover SUV was touted as a cross between a luxury sedan, an SUV and a minivan. But in reality, the Rendezvous didn't offer the level of interior design and driving excitement that luxury car buyers expected. And although Buick's crossover could seat up to seven and had the requisite fold-flat third-row seat, it was too small to appeal to minivan buyers, and it didn't have much of a styling advantage over them anyway.

An optional all-wheel-drive system made the Rendezvous a less costly alternative to true SUVs for buyers needing a snow vehicle, but otherwise this Buick wasn't particularly rugged. Over the years, the Rendezvous fell behind the rest of the crossover SUV crowd, which exploded into a very competitive market dominated by the leading import brands.

Rather than update the Rendezvous, Buick decided to halt production midway through the 2007 model year. For used car consumers who can accept the Rendezvous' faults, it could still prove to be an affordable, practical choice for a family vehicle. But we think the vast majority of shoppers would be better served by other, more refined crossovers, including Buick's own Enclave.

Most Recent Buick Rendezvous
Sold from 2002 through the first half of 2007, the Buick Rendezvous was typically offered in two basic trim levels, CX and CXL. There was also a high-line Rendezvous Ultra model in 2004 and '05. Since Buick considered the Rendezvous a premium crossover, even the base CX trim came with a decent list of standard features, including keyless entry, power accessories, air-conditioning and a CD player. The Rendezvous CX came with a five-passenger seating arrangement.

You could pick up a third-row seat on the CXL as a standard or optional feature, depending on the model year. This was also your ticket to leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, wood-tone cabin trim and alloy wheels. In addition to a more powerful engine, the Ultra model came with second-row captain's chairs (dropping seating capacity to six), satellite radio and a head-up display. These items were moved to the CXL's options list when the Ultra was discontinued.

But Buick stopped short of its competitors when it came to high-end amenities. Key safety features like ABS and front-seat side airbags were moved to the options list after the '02 model year, and items like stability control and side curtain airbags were never available. Buick did at least offer a DVD-based navigation system (starting in 2004) and a rear DVD entertainment system (starting in 2003) as options.

Although the Rendezvous' interior design and materials were better than most General Motors fare of the time, it wasn't quite up to import-brand standards. It was, however, one of the roomier crossover SUVs on the market, with plenty of passenger room in the front and back. It wasn't quite a minivan substitute, though, as the third row was best left to the kids. Cargo room was generous, too (with a maximum capacity of 109 cubic feet), though Buick's packaging of the third-row seat made for an uneven load floor.

Three different engines were offered on the Buick Rendezvous, and all were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2002 and '03, the only choice was a 3.4-liter V6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was sluggish, but fuel economy was above average for this class. In 2004 and '05, you could get either this engine or, on the Ultra model, a more sophisticated 3.6-liter DOHC V6 good for 245 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. For 2006, Buick replaced the old 3.4-liter with a more vigorous 3.5-liter V6 rated at 201 hp and 216 lb-ft of torque. It still wasn't a very refined engine for this class, but acceleration was improved. The 3.6-liter V6 remained optional for '06, but was discontinued at the end of the model year.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all 2002 Rendezvous models, but lower-cost front-wheel-drive versions were added the following year. Oddly, AWD was discontinued altogether for 2007, making the Buick Rendezvous the only crossover SUV not to offer any kind of all-weather capability.

In road tests we found the Rendezvous similar to most other Buicks in its driving characteristics, which is to say it focused on comfort at the expense of road feel. The vehicle's handling was sloppy, with considerable body roll around most corners. Neither the 3.4-liter nor the 3.5-liter engine was particularly competitive when it came to response or refinement, and the four-speed automatic's wide gear ratios didn't take full advantage of the power reserves. Although Rendezvous models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 still had this old-tech transmission, they felt much stronger during passing and merging maneuvers. The 3.6-liter's power delivery was smoother and quieter as well.

Consumer reviews of the Buick Rendezvous have generally been favorable, as owners are pleased with its combination of interior space, ride comfort, fuel economy and overall value. Resale value has never been a strong point for the Rendezvous, so if you're in need of an affordable family vehicle, it might be worth a look on the used car market. We'd advise you to zero in on 2004-'06 models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6.

User Reviews:

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  CHEAPLY made car, story of GMs life - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
  By ihateGM - May 21 - 11:43 am

  I have owned this vehicle for going on 4 years now. A/c problems, both front wheel hubs broke, both front power window components broke. Now the back 2 Windows are starting to make the same noises so Im sure they are about to break also. Same problems my 89 Buick had plus 2 other people I know. Back passenger door hinge is messed up and door barely shuts. Starting to shift funny so I see transmission problems very soon. Very poor horsepower. Awful resale value (I see why). Loud road noise. Gets blown all over the road in wind. Dont buy a gm! Many people I know have similar problems with their GMs not just Buick. Cheap parts. No Wonder they are bankrupt. You reap what you sow!

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  THE GAS - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ladygaga4721 - May 7 - 7:54 pm

  ok i loved this car my sister has it not me but i know mutch about it ok so shes had it for 2 years and she hates it!!!!! ill tell you what needs to be improved below

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  2002 buick rendezvous - 2002 Buick Rendezvous
  By ubah - May 1 - 10:43 am

  I have a lot experience with cars but I got this Rendezvous like three years ago, it gave a hard time, first fuel sensor stopped working, then I change transmission six month, then I change struts, then the fuel pump changed now I am trying to trade it stop fixing, you know what with it now engine oil leaking need gasket, ac, condenser, compressor needed almost 2000 dollars and finally passenger side door does not open. I do not advise anybody to buy this car with right mind, the worst car ever made. The last thing it very hard to take out the battery it is underneath

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  Awful Car!!! - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By Jeannie - April 27 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 Rendezvous in early 07. I have had nothing but problems. I was in the market to find an SUV/crossover with better gas mileage. All I got were repair bills! Everything from brakes, rotors, oxygen sensors, wheel bearings, anti-lock brakes & the AWD have needed repairs. The cost of this vehicle is amazingly high! I would NEVER recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2006 Buick Rendezvous
  By DCSFORUM - April 24 - 7:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle through a private sale with 45,000 miles and still under warranty. Researched a lot of vehicles before deciding that we wanted a Rendezvous because it is a great combination of flexible utility and roominess, fuel economy, comfort and quality. This is the quietest vehicle Ive ever owned. Like the 3.5L engine a lot - smooth, quiet, and plenty of power. I have gotten over 30 mpg if I keep my foot out of it. Has a high-quality feel to it. Has a good amount of room inside for the fuel mileage. Larger utility vehicles like the Trailblazer get much worse mileage. I think they had the bugs worked out of these for 2006/2007 model years. Really a nice family vehicle.

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  Rear differential failures - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By Treize13 - April 24 - 7:15 am

  Ive had this Rendez-vous for 3 years. Bought it used with 75000kms on it. It has seen nothing but the mechanic. He should make my payments. 2 months before warranty up replaced differential with a used one, that one just fell out, Im not impressed. 4 tires worn out in 1 year ABS light always on fuel gauge doesnt work. all wheel drive ot traction light always on. still have two years to pay on it, time to trade in You think!

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  Wonderful All Purpose Vehicle - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By SW Connecticut - April 17 - 9:44 pm

  The may be the most comfortable compact SUV on the road. The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Handling is terrific for a SUV and highway driving is a real pleasure. Acceleration is more than adequate for a family vehicle. Cargo space is ample for the size of the vehicle. Climate control system is easy to use and works well in all types of weather. Unfortunately Buick no longer makes this vehicle, but based on the great experience with this car, we have also purchased a Buick Enclave, which we feel is one of the best vehicles available today. Reliability has been exceptional, with only normal maintenance expenses.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Zakiyyah - March 31 - 9:25 am

  I was not very happy with this vehicle at all. Within 6 months of purchase the entire steering column needed to be replaced, not long after that problems with the transmission, heated seats stopped working, electrical system failures, last straw was when the CD player went. Very disappointed!

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  Many Problems - 2005 Buick Rendezvous
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:28 pm

  Steering column had to be replaced two times. Transmission slipping. All wheel drive noisy when turning. Interior materials cheep. Overall quality poor.

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  wheel bearing eater - 2003 Buick Rendezvous
  By jetsetser - March 15 - 12:32 pm

  We bought it new, 2 wheel bearings first year went out,under warranty.over the next few years we have replaced 8 wheel bearings total,and now we need 2 more! the air ride leveling sys. went out at 125,000 miles so we had to put air shocks on. the latch for the back went out and the pull handle broke off and it, only opens with fob. the radio nobs coating is all chipped off .the drivers side heated seat is out,the rear drivers side window is unop. the dash has every light lit up like a Christmas tree.